Vance: Iran must first substantively reduce its uranium enrichment capacity; the United States will not accept verbal promises.

BlockBeats news, October 7 — U.S. Vice President Vance stated that if Iran wishes to end the seven-month U.S.-Iran war, it must first "substantively" reduce its uranium enrichment capacity to prove it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. The United States will not exchange practical actions for Iran's verbal promises.

In an interview with Reuters, Vance said, "If you don't want nuclear weapons, why do you need 60% enriched uranium?" He stated that the U.S. remains willing to resolve the issue through diplomacy, but both sides must follow the principle of "action for action." The core objective of the United States is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to prevent other Middle Eastern countries from seeking nuclear capabilities as a result.

Currently, the core disagreement in U.S.-Iran negotiations centers on the sequencing of a ceasefire and the nuclear issue. Iran demands that the United States first implement a ceasefire, lift the port blockade, release frozen assets, and adjust oil export sanctions before discussing the nuclear issue; the United States demands that Iran first take practical nuclear restriction measures and prevent the reconstruction of enrichment facilities damaged in the war.

Vance said that the U.S. and Iran have recently continued to exchange proposals through mediators such as Qatar, but a previous preliminary arrangement concerning the restoration of passage through the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent discussion of Iran's nuclear program could not be maintained. Vance also warned that if an agreement meeting U.S. requirements cannot be reached, the United States may expand military operations after the November midterm elections.